Armies of the Right, in Populist Disguise

Published: August 12, 2006

To the Editor:

Re ''The Culture Crusade of Kansas'' (column, Aug. 8):

I agree with Thomas Frank that the ''pseudo-populist offensive'' of the radical Republican right is not going to cease as long as it is not confronted directly. But part of the problem is that by referring to the philosophical divide in our society as a ''culture war,'' people like Mr. Frank inadvertently give equal weight to ideas that are not deserving of such elevation.

The attacks on evolution, stem cell research, women's reproductive rights, education and homosexuality are not rooted in rational thinking, objective observation or even intuitive understanding. The positions of these righteous radicals are based in superstition, primitive beliefs and fears of the Other, no different from the attitudes that once led ''God fearing'' people to burn women to death for supposedly being witches.

Moderate Republicans and Democrats must stop empowering the far right by treating its arguments as an ''uprising of the little guy'' or part of ''American political traditions.''

Completely contrary to the progressive character of our nation's history, these attitudes are part of a repressive, retrogressive movement that is ultimately doomed to obscurity.

Peter Loffredo
Brooklyn, Aug. 8, 2006

To the Editor:

The animosity of conservatives in Kansas and elsewhere toward the perceived elitism of professionals is a manifestation of the through-the-looking-glass individualism propagated by the Republican Party.

Our multimillionaires and billionaires achieved their wealth by dint of individual effort and superiority. The message is, ''You, too, can do it.''

You will have earned your money and should, therefore, be exempt from taxation as you carry the torch for striving individuals and create jobs for their inferiors. Everything is up to you, with no elitist rituals to support you.

This is strictly nonpopulist and totally negates the idea of community.

Claire Collier
South Burlington, Vt., Aug. 8, 2006

To the Editor:

Reduced to its essence, Thomas Frank's description of the ''godly radicals'' suggests that they are, at heart, simply resistant to the acquisition of knowledge. A scary thought indeed.

Charles McFadden
Oakland, Calif., Aug. 8, 2006

To the Editor:

How interesting that the new so-called populists are characterizing the function of the judiciary as a ''grab for legislative power.''

I wonder what they think of President Bush's so-called signing statements?